From a significant rise in GST collection to the suspenseful Maharashtra CM race, a deadly Maoist encounter, and Donald Trump’s controversial FBI director nominee, this news roundup covers the day’s most impactful stories. Also included are updates on Raj Kundra, Delhi elections, and upcoming IPOs.
A joint team of the District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) killed nine Maoists in an ongoing encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district. The operation, which began on Tuesday morning, resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of weapons, including several rifles. This brings the total number of Naxalites killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh this year to 154.
In two separate anti-naxal operations in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma and Bijapur districts, security forces eliminated three Maoists. The encounters resulted in the recovery of weapons, explosives, and Maoist-related materials. The identities of the deceased Maoists remain unknown.
A group of four suspected Maoists were spotted in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Wednesday, April 24, urging locals to boycott the upcoming Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April 26. The police responded to reports of the Maoists’ presence in Kambamala and initiated an investigation. The Maoists were seen interacting with laborers in the area, raising slogans and calling for a boycott of the polls. Their appearance and actions have sparked concern among local authorities.
A massive landslide occurred on Thursday at the highway between Hunli and Anini in Arunachal Pradesh, causing a deep cut in the road and disrupting the route connecting Dibang Valley. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to social media to address the landslide incident, stating that instructions have been given for the restoration of connectivity at the “earliest.” In a separate incident, two suspected Maoists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Odisha’s Boudh district on Thursday morning.
Two suspected Maoists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Odisha’s Boudh district on Thursday morning, according to police reports. This incident occurred while the state prepares for simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for May 13, 20, 25, and June 1. The encounter took place in the Parhel reserve forest area, resulting in the recovery of the Maoists’ bodies and the seizure of explosives and arms, including an under barrel grenade launcher. The identities of the deceased are under investigation with the assistance of surrendered rebels. One additional Maoist was injured during the confrontation. This incident marks the eighth such occurrence in Boudh within the past four months. Odisha has recorded a notable number of Maoist-related incidents between 2019 and 2023, including 154 incidences of violence, 71 exchanges of fire, and the deaths of 42 Maoists. However, 63 Maoists have also surrendered their arms during this period.
In a significant anti-Maoist operation in advance of the upcoming elections, Odisha police have fatally shot two Maoists in the Boudh region on Thursday morning. On May 13, 20, 25, and June 1, Odisha will conduct simultaneous state assembly and Lok Sabha elections, with Boudh having its election on May 20.
According to ADG (Operations) Dev Datta Singh, gunfire was exchanged between Maoists and SOG personnel in the Parhel reserve forest under the jurisdiction of the Kantamal police. “So far, two Maoist bodies along with explosives and other items have been seized,” Singh stated.
In the last four months, Boudh has reported at least seven instances of gunfire exchange. Boudh and the neighboring Kandhamal district have experienced an increase in Maoist-related unrest. On February 3, a Maoist was killed in the Kandhamal district.
